Dometic Gas and Electric RV Water Heaters

Shop Dometic gas and electric RV water heaters for motorhomes, travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, truck campers, and other recreational vehicles. These dual-energy water heaters can heat water with propane, 120-volt AC electricity, or both heat sources when properly installed.

This category includes conventional Dometic gas and electric water heaters without XT mixing-valve technology. Current models include the 6-gallon Dometic WH-6GEA and the 10-gallon Dometic WH-10GEA.

Current Dometic Gas and Electric Water Heater Models

Dometic offers conventional gas and electric RV water heaters in both 6-gallon and 10-gallon capacities. The right model depends on the RV’s available installation space, existing wiring, desired hot-water capacity, and the specifications of the water heater being replaced.

The current non-XT models are:

• Dometic WH-6GEA 6-Gallon Gas and Electric Water Heater

• Dometic WH-10GEA 10-Gallon Gas and Electric Water Heater

XT models are not included in this category because they use a thermostatic mixing valve to increase effective hot-water output beyond the physical tank capacity.

Dometic WH-6GEA 6-Gallon Gas and Electric Water Heater

The Dometic WH-6GEA is a conventional 6-gallon RV water heater that can operate using propane or 120-volt AC electricity. It is designed for RV owners who want the flexibility to use propane while dry camping and electric power while connected to shore power.

The propane burner provides reliable water heating when campground electricity is unavailable. The electric heating element allows the RV owner to use available shore power and conserve propane. Both heat sources may be used together for faster recovery when the installation and RV controls support simultaneous operation.

The WH-6GEA is a practical option for couples, smaller families, travel trailers, truck campers, and RVs with a standard 6-gallon water-heater compartment.

Dometic WH-6GEA product number: 9600024379.

Dometic WH-10GEA 10-Gallon Gas and Electric Water Heater

The Dometic WH-10GEA is a conventional 10-gallon gas and electric RV water heater designed for larger recreational vehicles and greater daily hot-water demand.

Its larger tank provides more stored hot water for showers, washing dishes, cleaning, and multiple occupants. The WH-10GEA is well suited for larger travel trailers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, motorhomes, and full-time RV use.

Like the WH-6GEA, the WH-10GEA can heat water using propane, 120-volt AC electricity, or both energy sources when properly installed. It does not use an XT mixing valve, so its rated 10-gallon capacity reflects the physical capacity of the tank.

Dometic WH-10GEA product number: 9600024392.

Gas and Electric RV Water Heater Benefits

A Dometic gas and electric water heater gives RV owners more flexibility than a gas-only model. The heat source can be selected according to the campsite, available utilities, and current hot-water demand.

Propane operation is useful when:

• Dry camping or boondocking

• Traveling without shore power

• Campground electrical service is limited

• The RV owner wants faster propane heating

• Electrical power is needed for other appliances

Electric operation is useful when:

• The RV is connected to shore power

• Campground electricity is included with the campsite

• The owner wants to conserve propane

• Quiet water heating is preferred

• The available electrical system can support the additional load

Using propane and electricity together may improve hot-water recovery when permitted by the water heater installation and RV control system.

Gas and Electric Does Not Mean Propane-Free

The term gas and electric means that the water heater has two available heat sources. It does not mean propane is required whenever the electric element is being used.

The water can generally be heated using the 120-volt AC element alone when the RV is connected to a suitable power source. Propane can then be used when shore power is unavailable or when additional heating performance is needed.

Even during propane operation, the water heater requires 12-volt DC power for the electronic ignition, control board, gas valve, and safety systems.

WH-6GEA vs. WH-10GEA

The most important difference between the Dometic WH-6GEA and WH-10GEA is tank capacity.

The WH-6GEA stores 6 gallons of hot water and is designed for smaller RVs or applications with moderate hot-water demand. Its compact size also makes it a common replacement for older 6-gallon Atwood and Dometic water heaters.

The WH-10GEA stores 10 gallons of hot water and is better suited for larger RVs, multiple occupants, and applications where a 6-gallon tank may run out too quickly.

The WH-10GEA also requires a larger exterior opening and greater interior installation space. Tank capacity should never be increased without first confirming the RV has enough room and that the surrounding structure, wiring, propane line, plumbing, and access door can accommodate the larger model.

Conventional vs. XT Dometic Water Heaters

The WH-6GEA and WH-10GEA are conventional Dometic gas and electric water heaters. They deliver hot water based on the physical capacity of their storage tanks.

The Dometic WH-9GEA XT and WH-16GEA XT use mixing-valve technology. These models heat the stored water to a higher temperature and blend it with cold water as it leaves the tank, increasing the amount of usable hot water.

Choose a conventional model when:

• A direct-capacity replacement is preferred

• XT mixing technology is not required

• Installation depth is limited

• A simpler plumbing configuration is desired

• The existing water heater is a conventional 6-gallon or 10-gallon model

Choose an XT model only when additional effective hot-water capacity is needed and the RV has sufficient space for the deeper mixing-valve assembly.

Replacing an Older Atwood Gas and Electric Water Heater

Dometic acquired Atwood’s RV water-heater product line, and current Dometic models may replace select older Atwood gas and electric water heaters.

Older Atwood model numbers may begin with GC6AA, GC10A, GCH6A, GCH10A, or similar combinations. Each letter and revision number can identify important differences in tank capacity, ignition, electric heating, engine-assisted heating, wiring, controls, and installation requirements.

Do not select a replacement based only on whether the original water heater holds 6 or 10 gallons. Verify the complete model number and product number before ordering.

Important replacement details include:

• Complete Atwood or Dometic model number

• Original product or SKU number

• 6-gallon or 10-gallon tank capacity

• Gas and electric operation

• Electronic ignition system

• Sidewall cutout dimensions

• Available installation depth

• Exterior access-door size

• Propane connection location

• Hot and cold water-line locations

• 12-volt DC wiring

• 120-volt AC wiring

• Interior gas and electric switches

• Required mounting brackets or adapter kits

Additional parts may be required when converting from an older Atwood model to a current Dometic water heater.

Dometic Gas and Electric Water Heater Installation

A gas and electric RV water heater requires more connections than a gas-only model. Installation typically involves propane, 12-volt DC control power, 120-volt AC power, hot and cold water lines, and exterior combustion ventilation.

The 120-volt circuit must be properly sized and protected for the electric heating element. The propane system must also be inspected for leaks and correct operating pressure after installation.

Because installation involves propane, electricity, water, and combustion exhaust, Dometic water heaters should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions and applicable RV safety standards.

Do Dometic Gas and Electric Water Heaters Need an Anode Rod?

Current Dometic tank-style RV water heaters use lightweight, corrosion-resistant aluminum tanks and do not require the sacrificial anode rods commonly used in steel-tank water heaters.

Use the drain plug specified for the exact Dometic model. Installing an aftermarket anode rod is generally unnecessary unless Dometic specifically approves it for that water heater.

The tank should still be drained, flushed, inspected, sanitized, and winterized according to the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.

Are Exterior Access Doors Included?

Current Dometic replacement water heaters may be sold without an exterior access door. A compatible door must be purchased separately when the existing door cannot be reused.

The correct door depends on the water-heater model, opening dimensions, mounting arrangement, and desired color. An adapter kit may also be required when replacing an older Atwood water heater.

Always verify the required door and installation hardware for the exact Dometic product number before ordering.

Find the Correct Dometic Gas and Electric Water Heater

Browse our selection of conventional Dometic gas and electric RV water heaters to compare the 6-gallon WH-6GEA and the 10-gallon WH-10GEA.

Choose the WH-6GEA for a compact 6-gallon water heater suited to smaller RVs and moderate hot-water demand. Choose the WH-10GEA for larger RVs, more occupants, and increased stored hot-water capacity.

For the most accurate replacement match, locate the data label on the existing Atwood or Dometic water heater. Record the complete model number and product number, then confirm the tank capacity, dimensions, wiring, energy sources, plumbing connections, exterior door, and required installation components before ordering.